Ocean Drive Historic District: A Newport Self-Guided Driving Tour
Active
45m - 1h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Are you looking for a discrete way to see Newport’s local secrets? Explore at your own pace with this affordable driving tour.
• Hear the rowdy Newport history of America’s famous and infamous on a mansion-packed drive from America’s Cup avenue past Fort Adams and the Cliff Walk houses of owners like Jay Leno
• Hear from producer Erin Egresitz, a professional tour guide with ten years of experience and, the owner of Rhody Rambles
• Take 45 minutes or linger along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before and after your booking date
• Use the virtual tour option at home
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.
The app displays directions to the starting point. When you, and your car, are in the right place, just tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.
Available options
Ocean Drive Historic District: A Newport Self-Guided Driving Tour
What's included
Lifetime access to this tour in English
VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Detailed itinerary
1
This self-guided audio tour takes you down America's Cup Avenue, you'll hear about the area's lively shipping history.
2
The tour passes by the Whitehorne House Museum. You'll hear about the museum while you drive.
3
While driving past King Park, you'll hear about the monument to General Rochambeau.
4
You'll go through the Fort Adams entrance and see the venue for JFK's wedding reception.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
While passing Fort Adams, Newport's best festival venue, you'll hear about Eisenhower's summer residency house when he was president.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
The tour takes you past Brenton Point State Park. You'll hear about the park while you drive.
7
While passing the Monument to Portuguese Discover, you'll hear about it's design and the history of the land it stands upon.
8
The tour passes by Rough Point, you'll hear about the magnificent mansion while you drive.
9
The tour passes by Belcourt of Newport. You'll hear about the mansion while you drive.
10
Stop 10
Pass by
The tour passes by the historic Marble House. You'll hear about the home while you drive.
11
Stop 11
Pass by
The tour pass by Rosecliff, another of Newport's glorious mansions.
12
Stop 12
Pass by
Drive past or stop by as I tell you about Newport's largest house, with a square-footage that has to be measured in acres rather than feet.
13
The tour passes by Ochre Court. You'll hear about the court while you drive.
14
While passing by, you'll hear about the house that is the headquarters for the Newport Preservation society, which operates ten homes for public visitation.
15
Stop 15
Pass by
The tour pass by The Elms. You'll hear about The Elms while you drive.
16
The tour passes by Kingscote. You'll hear about it while you drive.
17
Most of the tour takes place in Ocean Drive Historic Distric. You'll hear about the gorgeous architecture that populates the area.
What's not included
Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.6
14 reviews
5★
7
4★
2
3★
1
2★
0
1★
4
Tripadvisor
4.1
10 reviews
5★
7
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
───
Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
───
Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
───
• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
───
For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About Newport
Newport is a charming coastal city known for its historic mansions, stunning ocean views, and rich sailing heritage. It offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, making it a perfect destination for all types of travelers.
Top Attractions
The Breakers
The Breakers is a stunning Gilded Age mansion built by the Vanderbilt family. It offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of America's wealthiest families.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
$25
Cliff Walk
Cliff Walk is a scenic 3.5-mile trail that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the famous Gilded Age mansions.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Newport Art Museum
The Newport Art Museum features a diverse collection of art, including contemporary and historical pieces, as well as rotating exhibitions.
Museum
1-2 hours
$10
Must-Try Local Dishes
Clam Chowder
A creamy and hearty soup made with clams, potatoes, and cream.
Soup
Contains dairy and seafood
Lobster Roll
A buttered and grilled roll filled with fresh lobster meat and lightly dressed in mayo or butter.
Sandwich
Contains seafood and dairy
Stuffies
Quahog clams stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, butter, and various seasonings.
Appetizer
Contains dairy and seafood
Popular Activities
Sailing
Kayaking
Hiking
Beachcombing
Spas
Yoga
Museum visits
Art galleries
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the most popular time to visit Newport, with warm weather and numerous events. The city is bustling with tourists, and all attractions are open.
15°C to 28°C
59°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (ET) (GMT-5:00, GMT-4:00 during daylight saving time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Newport is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
- • Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- T.F. Green Airport • 30 miles
- Boston Logan International Airport • 70 miles
By train
Newport Station
By bus
Newport Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
RIPTA buses are affordable and convenient for getting around Newport. Fares are low, and schedules are frequent.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Newport
The Point
Bellevue Avenue
Day trips
Block Island
13 miles by ferry • Full day
Block Island is a beautiful island known for its pristine beaches, scenic trails, and charming villages.
Providence
40 miles • Half day to full day
Providence is the capital of Rhode Island and offers a rich cultural scene with museums, historic sites, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Mystic
50 miles • Full day
Mystic is a historic seaport town known for its maritime museums and attractions.
Festivals
Newport Folk Festival • July
Newport Jazz Festival • August
Newport International Film Festival • August
Pro tips
- Visit the historic mansions early in the morning to avoid crowds
- Explore the Cliff Walk during sunset for the best views
- Try the local seafood, especially the clam chowder and lobster rolls
- Take a day trip to Block Island for a relaxing beach getaway
- Check the schedule for local festivals and events during your visit
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
